Champagne
What is it about Champagne? The first choice for celebrations of love, success and life's rites of passage for generations, the exclusive sparkling wines from the Champagne region of France hold a special place in the world of wine. The most northerly of France's wine regions, Champagne's history of sparkling wines dates back to 1668 when Dom Perignon, a local monk, is said to have created the method still used to produce Champagne today.
The chalky soils of Champagne are home to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, all employed in a typical Champagne blend. The northerly location of the vineyards means that ripening can be a problem, so using a blend of grapes is critical. Most typically made in a brut, or dry style, non-vintage (NV) Champagne is a blend of wines from a number of years. Vintage champagnes, made only in the best years, are aged extensively before release, creating richer, biscuity flavours.
